The Washington critic., 1887-01-25


his native State of Massachusetts, was
In 1916. lie served through the Mexi-
can War and later in California with
such distinguished credit as to earn
two brevots. At the outbreak of the
Rebellion he was in Washington and
was assigned to duty with the troops of
the District of Columbia, which he or.
ganized and equipped for the field.
IT Is PLEASANT to he reminded now
and then that the American Eagle still
scars, and that the spirit of our rcvo.
lutionary sires is not entirely extinct.
We were thus reminded yesterday by
the belligercnt oratory Of Mr.. Frye, Mr..
Hale and Mr.. ingalls, in the United
States Senate. The occasion was the
consideration of the bill empowering the
President rs a measure of retaliation,
to close the ports Of the United States
against Canadian imports, in case
Great Britain persists In violating her
treaty obligations by subiectng Ameri
can fishermen to iulignities and out.
RACES in Canadian waters. While agree.
ing with Senators generally as to the
nggrayating character of these out
RACES and indlguities, we doubt
the wisdom Of measures Of retaliation
until all other arguments have failed
and when it so happens that all other ar
guments DO fail, an open declaration of
war logically follows. A retaltatory
policy is a roundabout policy, Sill, If
worse comes to worst, We arc satisfied
that the Senate will not hesitate to call
John Bull to sharp and summary nc
count. As worse has not yet come to
worst, we are of opinion that yestcr.
days speeches would have been quite
as effective IL they had contained less
bluster and less suggestiyeness of gun
powder. 1t would be pretty serious
matter for the United States, in its
present condition of naval desuetudc,
TO provoke hostilitles with the first
naval power of the world and as Mr..
Vest, who made the only really conser.
vative remarks of the afternoon, well
said, no greater misfortune than a war
could possibly happen to either of the
parties in interest. lie only supported
the bill, with all its extraordinary pro.
visions, for the reason that It's enforce
ment was left to the discretion Of the
President, and the people may rest
assured that Mr.. Cleveland will make
no rash use of his authority.
THE resignation of Mr.. George NJ.
Lockwood, Chief Clerk of the Interior
Department, loses 10 the public service
one of the most useful and efficient
men who has ever held a responsible
trust under the Government. He has
also enjoyed popularity correspond
ing with his usefulness, and in the new
business engagements which be con-
templates, he will have not only the
best wishes of his late associates, but
Of citizens generally with whom he has
been brought in contact during an Of.
fetal career of hnlf II decade.
THE amount wanted by the Fire
Department for the Improvement Of
It's service in East Washington is one
item that should not have been dropped
from the District Appropriation BILL
i stitch in time saves nine, says the
cid adage; a FIRE engine in time may
.ave ninety and nine. Considering the
rapid increase uf improvements on
Capitol Hill, there should be a corre-
spending increase in the appliances for
its protection. What III. House has
omitted or overlooked in this respect,
it is to be hoped the Senate will duly
provide for.
THE celebration of the Centennial
Of the Constitution received another
lift in Congress yesterday, this time in
the House. The bill introduced by
Mr.. Townshend provides for a joint
celebration on the occasion in question
in which all the American Republics
shall participate There is no doubt
but what they will all be represented
and take enthusiastic interest In an an
niversary so greatly entitled to theil
grateful remembrance.
WHEN it comes to firing up th(
American heart, Mr., Ingalls, is the fire
man TO put on duty. That speech o.
his in the Senate yesterday was ,
rafting good one, looked at from
fighting standpoint But war be
tween England and the United State
just now is luxury that neither coun
try can afford.